Depression got me…
As a Nurse I know what depression does to the body. But living it? Whewwww. That hits different.
I am actively experiencing some major life transitions. I let myself experience all the emotions that came with it. Lot’s of anger, sadness, and worry… lost my appetite and the 6 lbs that went with it. But once I was ready, I returned gracefully and stronger. So although I struggled for a couple months, I’m handling it like a G.
With that being said, I wanted to share 5 incredible tips that supported me through this transition. If you prefer to watch it instead, you can find it here on my YouTube Channel.
5 Tips when you’re on the struggle bus
Tip 1: Buy a Meal Plan
I couldn’t think about food. I barely had an appetite. Nor motivation to prepare a meal. So I thought the best decision for me was to “Heat it, and Eat it” I purchased a meal plan from a local chef and within weeks my appetite began to come back naturally. My kitchen welcomed me back by week 3. Work smarter…not harder.
Tip 2: Hire a Personal Trainer
Best. Investment. Ever.
If I didn’t have my trainer, I wouldn’t have showed up to the gym at all. But because I committed to her, and invested my money…I showed up. I showed up sad. I showed up tired. But I showed up.
That’s the thing about accountability when you’re depressed. You’re not going to motivate yourself. What DOES work is having someone expecting you. If I make plans with myself, the chance of me flaking is higher than if I made plans with someone else.
So my training sessions remained consistent, regardless of how I felt and I can look back and say that my body thanked me for it. Every Single Time.
Tip 3: Have Someone Wash your Hair
Seriously. Showering while depressed is exhausting. Washing AND styling my hair? Please! Get a membership at Drybar and let them help you out.
Throw on a fun and comfortable outfit, dab a little makeup on and go on about your day. When you look good, you feel good! Don't underestimate it.
Tip 4: Volunteer
You feel valued. Connected. Appreciated.
As a community leader and mental health advocate, my fav quote is, “healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community.”
There are so many wonderful organizations around you.. get plugged in. Find one that sparks your interest. Spending your time in this way is incredibly healthy for your well-being.
Tip 5: Find a Professional to Talk To ( Coach / Therapist )
You don’t get a badge of honor for struggling through a season alone. Get support through a coach, therapist, or mentor who is trained to hold space for others navigating difficult waters.
P.S. - although you may have a great support system consisting of friends + family... please be mindful of oversharing/dumping. Check in with them to ask if they are in a place of receiving.
Bonus: Remove Alcohol
Blame it on the a-a-a-alcoholll. I know, I know. But hear me out.
Alcohol is a depressant. LOW vibration. Inflammatory.
When you’re already low, it takes you even lower. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be removed forever. It’s just for a moment. Sobriety has been deeply healing for me and my mental health. Try a chapter. 3 months. 6 months. A year. What do you have to lose?
A Saturday morning hangover and -$150 in your bank account?
OK, so here’s what I want you to take from all of this….
Depression, appetite loss, exhaustion, anxiety, feeling completely disconnected from your body…. this is how our body communicates with us. It’s telling us that our nervous system is under attack.
1) Give yourself grace. Bed rot, cry, take off of work. Grieve. But don’t get stuck there.
2) Gently come back to your body with support such as mentioned above. You’ll get there babe.
I’m a Holistic Nurse and even I wasn’t immune to depression. I love the work I do. It takes one to know one…. I didn’t just learn from a textbook or clinical training, but from lived experiences.
If you’re in a season that feels like too much, I want you to know two things: you’re not broken, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you resonate with this post, I’d love to hear your tips that have supported you during a rough time. Comment below and I’d love to chat about it.
Warmly,
Jaz